Not sure if this is the right forum, but Im contemplating a diesel swap into my 57 Chevy BelAir. Im toying with two avenues to go...1) CR Cummins of 05 vintage and 2) a Duramax. Now I know what would be involved in a conversion like this, as frame strengthening, driveline mods, suspension mods, etc would be needed. Id like to not cut the firewall, and would like to keep floorpan cutting to a minimum. So which would be the easier candidate. The Cummins, by design, will go into anything that it will physically fit into, but how about the DMax. Id prefer to go Cummins, obviously, but the DMax may not be a bad route to go either. How about a tranny behind either one that would hold some serious power? Wiring issues? The car would look stock from the outside other than stance and wheels/tires, but would run like a scalded ape-low 11s high 10s would be the eventual goal, daily driver! All my vehicles need to be daily driver status, in case one breaks!! So what do you guys think?? Sorry for the long post...thanks

 

Well, since you want to have a truck that will run high 10s or low 11s AND daily drive it, then I guess I can't steer you towards a 12v. I don't know much more to tell you, I guess I'll just be here to wish you good luck .

 

Yea, its kinda a far fetch, but I figure with the electronics, I can turn it up at the track and lay down some wicked times, then turn it down to a more streetable tune...if that makes sense. Also, with a diesel truck, lets say it puts 1050hp on the dyno, theoretically it should be able to run low 11s, if not break into the tens. Now you take the lighter car (I have no idea how much my Belair weighs, but its less than my truck...) it wouldnt need as much power to run comparable times. Theoretically speaking. Thats if I could get it to hook up. Now I may be off my rocker, but there has to be a way. Also, theres nitrous. Have it running 700 kick in the N2O and have 850-900. Maybe thatll give you a better idea of what Im thinking.

 

Talk about ruining a nice car. Grandpa has a '57 bel air and dad's got a '56 bel air. Would never put a cummins in either body style. (or any car of that style) JMO of course!

Now if ya step back to the late 30's chevy's. Something you can run without front fenders or hood so you can show off the motor and TWINS, then yea a swap like that would be sweet. Rat rod style of course. But to each his own

 

I like it every car is better when it's diesel. I've got all kinds of diesel conversions that I want to do.

 

I love diesels, and especially my CTD, but I wouldn't put one in a Shoebox Chevy.

First, you'd have to cut on that Chevy because the engine is way too long compared to a 283 or other factory V-8. IMO, cutting a classic is not cool.

Like these guys who build Pro Street Superbirds. Yeah, let's take a 1-of-200-built car, carve it up and slap it on a tube frame with a four-link rear and huge M/T tires and then throw a blower on the original 440.

Not that a shoebox chevy is *that* rare, but it's just as classic imo-- if not more.

On the other hand, a car with a long hood just begs for a CTD in it. I can see doing a '49 Merc or a '50 Ford, that would be cool!

 

I look back to a time when Dad had a 53 Belair with a 6 and 3 on the tree that always vapor locked (which I know how I would have cured these later years).

It would have been great with a 4BT or 12V 6!!! And of course at LEAST a 4 speed tranny!

 

I guess "the" thing that immediatly comes to mind is the weight - all 1250+ lbs of it, and that's not including the radiator (massive), the intercooler, the coolant & oil. It's a LOT, to say it, well, lightly.

It can be done, but I have to take Hohn's position here - are there not other cars you'd maybe find as a better candidate? But whatever you do, think long and hard about the suspension and brakes first.

 

Im kinda leaning more towards the Duramax. If, IF, I do it at all, I would do it with minimal if any cutting. This car is my baby, and I wont cut it up. And yes Id get rid of the truck before the car. After I posted in my original post about the Cummins, I got to thinking and it would just be to big for the car. Now, the Duramax, however, may be a good possibility.

Im looking for size/weight comparisons between the Duramax and a big block Chevy. If they are close to the same length and width, it may be a viable swap. The weight, yea Id have to have some custom stuff done there to take the extra weight. To answer why...why not? I havent seen it done on this particular platform, and think it would be pretty killer. Im just fishing for info right now, this may never even happen. However, if I determine this is doable with minor cutting, Ill do it. Otherwise, itll be getting a 720hp 572 that Ive been eyein...

Im with you guys, and I will not cut my baby up!! Haha, thanks for the thoughts, keep em comin!

 

Your wrong about that Justin, Grandpa also has a 51 ford couple, (same body style as the 50) and he has 25K in it, and there is no way to make that car cool (not even a CTD) well he does have air in it, and if it's hot outside and you close your eyes it's may be cool then.

 

Left is me and my '57, center is Gpa and his '57, and right is Dad and his '56. Personally, i dont think you could make them any cooler. Especially Dads, hes got a 396 big block and a 4 speed. Even though im a diesel nut i dont think a diesel would be ideal in a rig like this.

I dont have a picture of Gpas '51 ford. (cause it makes me when i look at it, and im sure ya'll would agree)

 

The Duramax would be excellent in that car. Although to obtain those power levels your going to have to put some rods in it. The Duramax powered Impala was also neat car minus the overgrown wheels.
http://hotrodhomepage.com/hrhp/2007/...-diesel-power/

 

The 6600 Duramax weighs 836 pounds and a big block Chevy weighs around 685 pounds. But the allison tranny behind the Duramax is not only big but very heavy. A 4L80E if built correctly might be an easier swap.

 

Ahh yeah, I asked you about your truck before, that thing is sweet! No Cummins swap though (also thought about that)

On the 51 Ford, chop it, drop it, nose it, deck it, flat black with purple metallic scallops, chrome reverse wheels, or better yet, Radirs, wide whites, dual bellflower tips...the list keeps going. I wish I had a 49-51 Ford or Merc, full custom!

 

mcoleman...Im thinkin of going along the lines of that car, minus the gaudiness. Itll look like your typical 57 Chev with nice wheels/tires, lowered a bit, quality paint job (thats what its lacking now-but still looks nice) nice interior, and a wicked Duramax under the hood (ok more streetable than wicked, but still shootin for low 11s-high 10s) I think its doable...anyone else??